2011 Valparaiso University Summer Advanced Chinese Program in China

2011 Valparaiso University Summer Advanced Chinese Program in China

Valparaiso University (Valpo) invites undergraduate and graduate students, and K-12 teachers with US citizenship, who have completed at least two years of college Chinese, or its equivalent, to participate in the 2011 Summer Advanced Chinese Program (SACP) to be held in Hangzhou, China. Built on the success of the past four SACP programs, which have attracted over 60 participants, and subsidized by a grant from the US Department of Education, the 2011 SACP is designed to enable students to complete third-year college Chinese through intense, personalized instruction and integration of language learning with immersion in local Chinese culture and society in a city known for its rich tradition, natural beauty, and modern life. The 2011 SACP will help prepare participants to enter competitive graduate programs, pursue careers that require Chinese language competency, or teach Chinese in K-12 schools (if previously licensed).

The 2011 SACP will enroll nationwide up to 25 qualified participants. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2011. However, admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants and will close once the enrollment cap is reached. Therefore, interested applicants should apply early.

Program Design and Goals

The 2011 Valpo Summer Advanced Chinese Program (SACP) consists of two phases:

Phase 1: May 23 through June 13, 2011 – This three-and-half-week phase is designed for participants who have completed at least two years of college Chinese or its equivalent but are not yet fully prepared for intensive third year Chinese offered through the 2011 SACP; or who have studied Chinese previously or lived in China for an extended period of time but have experienced a lapse in language proficiency.

Phase 2: June 14 through August 11, 2011 – This 8-week phase is designed to complete the highly-demanding, intensive third-year Chinese with ample ongoing opportunities to travel and interact directly with the local population and culture.

Applicants of the 2011 VU’s SACP may choose to participate in Phase 1 or Phase 2 or both phases of the program depending on their language skills and needs. Interviews will determine each participant’s preparedness to enter Phase 2 directly.

Curriculum

Phase 1 will use Integrated Chinese, Level 2, Book 2 (3rd edition) along with a significant number of supplemental instructional materials drawn from various sources. The weekly schedule includes four days of instruction, lectures, one-on-one drill sessions and one day of cultural immersive learning including in-city trips. Weekends are reserved for language-driven cultural learning assignments and travel to nearby cities.

Phase 2 will use Step by Step Chinese, Intensive Chinese Book 1 & 2 along with instructional materials drawn from other sources. In addition to weekly classes and weekend travel, Phase 2 includes a series of lectures on Chinese literature, Chinese calligraphy class, Chinese painting class, and a four-day mid-session break for individual travel.

Academic Credits

Participants of Phase 2 may apply and receive up to eight graduate credits from Valpo (for an additional fee).

Application

Applicants must submit:

• Completed SACP application form;
• Essay in English AND Chinese explaining reasons for desiring to participate the program;
• Official transcripts of current academic program;
• Two letters of recommendation – one from a current Chinese language instructor and one academic recommendation.

Please visit http://www.valpo.edu/chineseandjapanesestudies/macs/sacp.php for more information and to download the SACP application form.